Verified User in Media Production
UM
Verified User in Media Production
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Review of Parallels Desktop for Mac"
5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I like the ability to be able to run Windows programs and apps directly on my MacBook Pro and that I can easily switch between the two operating systems quickly and without having to shut down either system or programs that I am running in them. This allows me to use programs on the Windows OS that are not available with Mac and then integrate the work that Ive done into projects that I am working on my Mac. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I would like there to be a better pricing option on the Parallels program because I only need to use it for specific tasks on certain projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JJ
Jess J.
Copy Freelancer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Speedy to launch and switch between Windows and Mac without interfering; not as strong for gaming"
4/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels enables for a speedy and smooth switch between the Windows and Mac platforms while keeping them separate and without distractions.

Quick file sharing via a shared folder rather than drag and drop, the location of the files not changing even after editing.

It enables remote access to the computer desktop.

The Windows platform can be left paused in the background which saves time when starting up apps. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

A limitation when it come to gaming is that Parallels only uses the allocated hardware resources. And I find the limitation of 8GB ram getting in the way. The in-built DirectX support enables Windows-based gaming but overall it takes a toll on battery life. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DG
Daniel G.
Employee
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Convienent and Efficient "
4/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

During my time using this program, I've really enjoyed the user-friendly design, making it easy for beginners to navigate through the menu and easily setup a remote connection of their desires. Considering how easy and simple the setup becomes, it becomes very effiecient and effective to use this software for those who wish to access another operating system right from their Mac. Over time this software has become my main driver as I'm able to use this on the go for right at home, without the worry of needing another devoce that runs the opertaiing system that I require to do the tasks I typically do on a day to day basis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Though this program provides a useful tool, the only issue I've encountered is minor freezes or a slow connection to the desktop I am using this program for. Though my wifi connection is stable and the connection as well, there are some hiccups in the connection that cause minor freezes or screen lag. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Segey L.
SL
Segey L.
Blogger
Internet
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Very good solution for app testing and quickly accessing Windows apps"
4.5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Starting fast, simple interface, easy to add a new virtual machine (and they have ready-to-use images for many free OS). Great performance as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Takes too much disk space, as Mac laptops do not have much of it. By default is made for people who will use it every day, and it takes some tweaks to make it convenient for rare use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Gabriela P.
GP
Gabriela P.
Group Packages Sales Freelancer
Food & Beverages
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Convenient way to have Windows on a Mac"
4.5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I like how Parallels Desktop allows me to run any version of Windows I install on it, but without having to necessarily boot my laptop in order to access it. Hence the name, Parallels. It runs parallel to your regular Mac OS, on a different Desktop so you can just switch from whatever you're working on your Mac environment to a Windows based environment with just a swipe of your fingers on the trackpad. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I find my macbook constantly running on a LOT of memory when Parallel is running. While I understand it is running a completely different and isolated OS on the side, the fan goes off like crazy as it is consuming tons of memory. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

PC
Philip C.
Security Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Very efficient, unlike Virtualbox"
5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Seamless and deep integration with macOS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Price is too high, I mean literally high. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Education Management
UE
Verified User in Education Management
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Must have for professional Mac users"
4.5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Fast and flawless use of Windows applications, switching between Mac and Windows Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

License model that requires to purchase annual subscriptions after expiration. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

SM
Shane M.
Owner
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"So much more than I imagined"
5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I have a MAc but sometimes I needed to use Windows-specific software, parallels allowed me to do this and so much more! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

I don't have anything that I dislike. Always worked well for me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Paul W.
PW
Paul W.
Video and Digital Media Technologist
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Worth the effort to set up"
5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels lets you have an isolated or invisible virtual PC for lighter-weight tasks that you just don't want to reboot your Mac (or switch devices) to accomplish. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Setup can be a bit guess and check, mostly for system specs to strike a good balance between giving your virtual PC the oomph it needs without tanking the Mac because you aren't leaving enough processing power behind. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management
IN
Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Efficient and Collaborative"
5/5
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

The fact that I could switch between OS and WIndows was amazing. Being able to run my windows based applications while still retaining my OS applications made myself and team extremely more efficient. This tool coupled with Mac allowed us to upgrade our tech stack across the organization. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Not much that I didn't dislike about this product. However, its worth noting that the applications I ran didn't require much power rather they were legacy systems. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.